Hypoglycemic effect of Tournefortia hirsutissima L., on n-streptozotocin diabetic rats

The hypoglycemic effect of aqueous and butanolic extracts from Tournefortia hirsutissima (Boraginaceae) was determined on neonatal induced streptozotocin diabetic rats (n-STZ). Oral administration of water extracts at doses of 20 and 80 mg/kg, and butanolic extracts (8 and 80 mg/kg) significantly lowered the plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats within 3 h. Glibenclamide was used as reference and showed similar hypoglycemic effect. Our results support the traditional use of the plant as a hypoglycemic agent; we observe a dose-dependent action of the extracts. HPLC analysis confirmed that the aqueous and butanolic extracts had the same chemical composition.